What do you notice about an application the first time you use it? Some people notice the colors, some notice the visuals, and so on. All the things that people tend to notice fall under the same category: UI. The UI is a fundamental part of any application as well as a success factor. It has been the main reason some applications fail and others achieve soaring success. This is why it is a main part of the app development process and tends to gain focus from designers. Features alone can’t do the deed, and vice versa. The world of UI is vast; it has many creeks that not all of us have discovered. This world includes elements. In this article, we will unveil a rich list of UI elements that every designer should know about. We will explore the types and how they should be implemented correctly.
An Introduction to UI
A UI, or user interface, is one of the most important elements of applications and a great phase of the app development process. UI is the home place for everything related to the appearance and app design, such as visuals, layout, style, colors, and so on. All of these elements are within the big and major sphere of UI, and that is why developers and designers tend to heavily focus on them.
We can consider the user interface as sort of the first line of defense of applications that the user will interact with, and based on this interaction, the rest of the journey will be determined. Logically and statistically, the first thing that a user would see and navigate is the layout and design of an app, not the features. That is why the UI should be prepared and executed well to meet the expectations of the user of a unique and pleasing UI and yield a spectacular first impression from every single user.
The Correlation of UI and UX
The story of UI and UX can last for days, weeks, and months, as they have a rich history of progressions, transformations, and so on. Some people always tend to compare the two elements, as one may be different from the other. However, in this article, we will discuss this in a different manner and perspective. We will discuss the strong correlation between UI and UX.
Starting with the older term, which is the UX. If you don’t know, the UX’s term or concept presence is not coupled with the presence of UI or applications. UX is a term that originated with products and services provided by businesses. It is the way all elements are put together according to users’ needs, requirements, and demands to create the ultimate and most satisfying experience.
Now, with the rise of digital products like websites and applications, UX and UI have started to come together and be closely related. This close relationship actually caused the popular misconception that UI and UX are the same.
The process of designing UX comes before UI, as it includes analyzing users’ needs, preferences, etc. This later on helps with the design of the UI and choosing suitable elements, layout, colors, and so on.
With digital products, maintaining a good UX is achieved through UI, where UI is the actual interface and elements and UX is the way they are executed and implemented.
The great list of UI elements is enormous, with a huge number of elements included. However, each element has its own function and role. UI elements are divided into three main categories, each associated with a specific role. So, let us get started!
1. Navigational Elements
The first category of UI elements is navigational elements. As the name implies, navigational elements are UI elements that will help users go through and explore the application easily.
2. Informational Elements
The second category is informational elements. These UI elements are components that help users display information about a particular element or feature. For instance, when you click on a word, a bubble appears to tell you what this feature or section is.
3. Input Elements
The last category of UI element categories is input elements. Input elements are very important elements that are usually found in all applications and websites. Through these elements, users can input certain information to accomplish a certain action based on the information provided.
Exploring The Rich List of UI Elements that You Should Know About
1. Text Fields
Text fields are a type of input element, and they are a main part of almost all apps, especially social media. This element allow users to type in the necessary data to complete an action like registration or signing up, where users have to type usernames and passwords. They are also used for apps like payment transfer and finance apps. Text fields cannot be functional without buttons, which are also a type of input element. After inputting information, buttons would be used to validate it and complete the action for users.
2. Toggles
Toggles are also a type of input element that is commonly used and helps users greatly. These toggles act as a way to switch on or off an option. By clicking on a toggle, you have the ability to activate or deactivate an option, function, or part of the application.
3. Navigation Menus
Well, it is obvious that navigation menus are part of navigational menus. Navigation menus are must-have UI elements and have to appear in every application. These menus appear on any side of the application, so users can move from one section or feature to another. Navigation menus also come in various styles and forms, such as hamburger menus, which are a standard form and appear as three horizontal bars on either the left or right side. There is also a floating action button that appears on the bottom side of an application and contains buttons that would take users to another section or feature.
4. ToolTips
Tooltips are informational elements that are usually found in websites more than in applications. These tooltips appear when a user highlights or points to a certain title or icon. The tooltips would appear and explain what this icon or title is about and its function. Tooltips tend to make the user interface more clear and straightforward and thus achieve a good user experience.
5. Notifications
The last UI element in our list is yet another informational element. And, yes, notifications are a type of informational element, if you are wondering. Notifications, either push notifications or in-app, provide users with all the information and what is going on with the applications. This includes new messages, offers in the case of food apps, transitions in the case of banking apps, and so on. It reflects any changes or alternations that encourage users to use the app more.
How Does Implementing Various UI Elements Benefit Applications?
Implementing various UI (User Interface) elements in applications provides numerous benefits, as they significantly enhance the user experience and functionality. Here are some advantages of incorporating different UI elements:
Improved User Experience
Buttons, menus, and sliders are just a few of the many UI elements that help make a program’s interface straightforward. They facilitate the usage of the program by facilitating navigation, activity, and comprehension of features.
Enhanced Visual Appeal
An app’s aesthetic appeal can be improved with well-designed UI elements. The entire appearance is improved by using consistent design components, color schemes, and perfect alignment, which attracts users and keeps them interested.
Ease of Navigation
User interface components like menus, drop-down lists, and breadcrumbs help users find their way around applications. The overall usability is enhanced because it is now easier for users to locate what they’re looking for.
Increased Interactivity
Input fields are an example of user interface elements that facilitate communication between the app and its users. Applications with interactive user interface features are more fun to use and easier to navigate.
Accessibility and Inclusivity
Implementing multiple UI components additionally enables serving a larger audience, including people with different abilities. The user experience can be made more accessible for people with different abilities by including features like a text-to-speech reader, alternative text for images, and customizable font sizes.
Consistency and Branding
Incorporating uniform UI components helps keep the overall appearance and feel of an application constant and clear. It’s a great way to build customer recognition and strengthen brand recognition for the app.
Adaptability to Different Devices
Elements of the user interface that adapt to different screen sizes and resolutions make the application universally usable. This flexibility is vital for appealing to a larger audience and maintaining quality across multiple platforms.
In Summary
In conclusion, understanding and leveraging essential UI elements is crucial for creating an effective and user-friendly digital experience. The elements discussed in this article serve as the building blocks of a well-designed interface, influencing user interaction, navigation, and overall satisfaction. From buttons and forms to icons and typography, each element plays a specific role in guiding users and enhancing their engagement.
By staying informed about these fundamental UI components, designers and developers can make informed decisions to create interfaces that are intuitive, aesthetically pleasing, and functional. Continual awareness of evolving design trends and user preferences will further contribute to the success of digital products and applications.
